Dr. Andrew Taylor Still: The Occult Roots of Osteopathy Exposed
Uncovering the Spiritual Foundation Behind a Popular Holistic Practice
Dr. Andrew Taylor Still (1828–1917), the founder of osteopathy, is hailed in medical circles as a pioneer of holistic health. He broke away from traditional allopathic medicine in the 19th century to create a system that emphasized the manipulation of bones and muscles to cure disease. But few realize the spiritual and occult underpinnings of his philosophy. While osteopathy is now widely accepted as part of modern medicine, its origins are deeply rooted in spiritualism, metaphysics, and practices that open doors to deception. Christians should approach this practice with discernment and caution.
Who Was Dr. Andrew Taylor Still?
Andrew Taylor Still was born in Virginia and raised in a devout Methodist family. His father, Abram Still, was a preacher and physician who traveled as a missionary to Native American tribes. This early exposure to medicine and religious teachings laid the groundwork for Andrew’s later life.
Still served as a hospital steward during the Civil War and became disillusioned with the ineffective medical practices of the day—particularly the overuse of drugs like calomel and opium. In response, he began seeking alternative methods to treat illness. His breakthrough came in 1874, when he claimed to have “flung to the breeze the banner of Osteopathy,” asserting that the body could heal itself without drugs through manipulation of the musculoskeletal system.
But where did his revelations come from?
Occult Influences in Still's Beliefs
Still was heavily influenced by spiritualism, hypnotism, magnetism, and Freemasonry. These elements shaped both his medical ideology and spiritual worldview. In his autobiography, he referred to having clairvoyant abilities, receiving guidance through visions, and even credited his discoveries to spiritual revelations rather than science.
He was a firm believer in a "universal intelligence" or cosmic force that regulated the body—language eerily similar to New Age teachings, Eastern mysticism, and even the philosophy of chiropractic founder D.D. Palmer. This “Divine Intelligence” was not the God of the Bible but a vague force woven into nature, which Still sought to access and manipulate through the human body.
He stated:
“I love the work of God, but I despise the church… I am not infidel, I am not atheist, but I worship the God of Nature.”
Still denied traditional Christianity. He replaced the personal, knowable God of Scripture with a pantheistic force—a god of nature. His concept of healing relied not on prayer, the blood of Jesus, or repentance, but on aligning the body with universal energy. This is spiritual deception wrapped in medical jargon.
Was Still a Freemason?
Yes. Andrew Taylor Still was involved in Freemasonry, an organization known for its secret rituals, esoteric symbolism, and spiritual oaths that contradict Christian doctrine. Masonic beliefs deny the exclusivity of Jesus Christ and often embrace a form of universalism. Freemasonry promotes the “Great Architect of the Universe,” which is not the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob but a syncretistic, impersonal force.
Being a Freemason, Still would have participated in rituals invoking spiritual forces, further reinforcing his alignment with the occult. These practices open doors to demonic influence and are incompatible with a Christian worldview.
Theological and Philosophical Beliefs
Dr. Still rejected blood atonement theology and biblical inerrancy. Instead of salvation through Jesus Christ, he believed in self-reliance, the divinity of man, and natural law as ultimate authority. He fused physical health with spiritual enlightenment—hallmarks of New Age and occult systems.
Here’s a chilling quote from his writings:
“I do not know what Christ was, and I do not care to know. I know he taught something better than man ever taught before... but I do not know that he was any more than a man.”
Still denied Christ’s deity. That alone should give every believer pause.
The Dangers for Christians
Practices rooted in occult beliefs, no matter how sanitized or accepted today, carry spiritual consequences. The Bible is clear:
"Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."
— Ephesians 5:11
“There shall not be found among you... one who practices divination, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens… For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord.”
— Deuteronomy 18:10-12
When Christians engage in practices founded upon spiritualism, even unknowingly, they risk opening gates for demonic oppression. Even if the modern version of osteopathy has evolved into a more scientific framework, its roots are toxic. Many patients report worsening health, strange spiritual encounters, or recurring oppression after osteopathic manipulation—especially craniosacral therapy, which involves energy-based methods similar to Reiki and New Age healing.
Final Warning and Call to Discernment
Modern osteopathy has two branches: one that sticks to musculoskeletal manipulation, and another that integrates cranial therapy, energy healing, and even Eastern practices. As believers, we must be alert and test everything:
“Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
Before engaging in any form of osteopathic treatment—especially from practitioners who incorporate energy balancing or intuitive healing—ask the Holy Spirit for discernment. Renounce any spiritual influences connected to Still's teachings and Freemasonry, and break all ties to practices that are rooted in occult philosophies.
Deliverance Prayer
Father God, I come in the name of Jesus Christ and repent for any involvement in osteopathy or other healing methods rooted in the occult. I renounce Dr. Andrew Taylor Still’s teachings, Freemasonry, and all forms of spiritualism and universal energy. I break every ungodly soul tie and demonic connection. I plead the blood of Jesus over my body, soul, and spirit, and I declare total freedom and healing in Jesus’ name. Amen.
With love and truth,
Teresa Morin
President of Touch of God Int’l Ministries
🌐 https://www.touchofgod.org
Of Healing and Deliverance, Ordained Minister, Public Speaker
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